19 replies to this topic

[TWC]

So I haven't fished in a bazillion years -- probably since my uncles took my brother and I out to Maple Lake in the Forest Preserve (cheers to you if you know where that is) to catch a few sickly bluegill.

But I kinda got the urge to do some fishing. My boy really wants to try, too. I'm curious if you fishermen (Phil, Aaron) have ever fished right off the coast (shore fishing), and what sort of investment I'd need to make gear-wise. I'm sure it depends on things like what I intend to catch, etc., but I don't know anyone who does it around here, and I'm not sure what's involved.

Oh, and yeah, I'm familiar with the Google and all, but I thought I'd turn to BN's resident experts. Plus, it allows us to have some civilized conversation to happen on this site.

[Fishin Phil]

Not a whole lot of saltwater fishing here in the armpit of the nation, but I'll try to get you pointed in the right direction. Are you going to be fishing off a pier, or surf casting on the beach?

[TWC]

Surf casting, because it's a much longer walk/bike ride to the pier. I can get my toes wet by walking 1/2 mile down my street.

[Fishin Phil]

Do you have a preference for Spinning gear or Baitcasting gear?

I've always leaned toward spinning gear, less chance of getting a nasty backlash.

[Fishin Phil]

I would probably go with something like this for starters:

http://www.basspro.c...SSELL_THUMBNAIL

I would definitely get the 9' model. Surf casting is all about leverage. Probably the best thing you can do is find some locals who are willing to talk while you are walking on the beach. Might be tough, some guys don't like to talk, but every once in a while you can find someone who is very helpful.

Hope this helps. If you think of any other specific questions, let me know and I'll do my best.

[TWC]

Do you have a preference for Spinning gear or Baitcasting gear?

Blink.

::blank stare::

[TWC]

Do you have a preference for Spinning gear or Baitcasting gear?

Blink.

::blank stare::

I mean, seriously, last time I did any fishing, I was probably 9 and was worried about losing bobbers.

[TWC]

Probably the best thing you can do is find some locals who are willing to talk while you are walking on the beach. Might be tough, some guys don't like to talk, but every once in a while you can find someone who is very helpful.

I was just reminded (by my wife) that we have a friend who does a bit of beach fishing from time to time. Though I recall him to be mostly focused on the annual smelt harvest (to which I say "meh"), I may have found my friendly local.

[Fishin Phil]

Mmm, I love smelt! They are so versatile. Deep-fried they are delicious, and fresh they make good bait.

[Kansas Cubs Fan]

If you are surf fishing and haven't fished in a while, I would recommend a spinning or open faced reel on a 9 to 10 rod.

Your best bet would to go to a bass pro shop, gander mountain, cabela's or just a local tackle shop and see if they can help you out.

Also if you plan to go fishing more than 2 or 3 times a year find a surf fishing forum and they will get you pointed in the right direction.

Stripersonline.com

Westcoastangler.com

those are a couple and I'm sure the first will be able to help with more than just striper fishing.

[TWC]

In my area, there is really very little surf fishing. Most folks hop on a boat and head out a ways to get their catch. The closest Bass Pro Shop to me is about two hours due east, on the way up to the Sierras.

I'm gonna rap with my pal and see if I can't join him next time he goes down to the beach. Shadowing him is probably the best thing to do.

[TWC]

Stripersonline.com

I wonder how many times *that* gets mistyped.

"Sorry, honey, I was trying to look for fishing info!"

[Kansas Cubs Fan]

Stripersonline.com

I wonder how many times *that* gets mistyped.

"Sorry, honey, I was trying to look for fishing info!"

How do you think I found it?
Haha

[Fishin Phil]

That is a good forum, very helpful. And yes, I found it the same way.

[Ron]

What you need is an old Zebco 202 maybe 404 since it is the ocean and all. Just kidding my boy peskers me all the time thankfully there is a lake near by. He started "splitting the worm" at five.